Flow controlling dual hydrant

ABSTRACT

In a dual hydrant, the combination comprising two spaced apart tubular bodies to receive in-flow of fluids A and B, a fluid mixing zone to receive fluids A and B from said bodies, manually operable flow control valves in the two tubular bodies, a primary check valve in one of the bodies to pass forward fluid flow toward said mixing zone, and to block reverse flow in the one body, an outlet from the mixing zone, and a secondary check valve in series with the outlet to pass forward flow from either or both of the two bodies through the outlet, and to block reverse flow from the outlet to the mixing zone.

This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No.60/326,567 filed Oct. 1, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to flow controlling dual hydrants, andmore particularly to improvements in adjustable hot and cold waterhydrants.

There is need in such hydrants or dual valves for reliably blocking orchecking back flow where reverse flow pressure may build up, as in a hotand cold water mixing zone. Also, there is need in such hydrants orvalves for disposing of back flow pressure that may build up in themixing zone. Such back flow, if unchecked, could contaminate up-streamliquid such as water, in plumbing, and in particular cold waterplumbing. Further, there is need for simplification of such hot and coldwater hydrants, where the use of two check valves to check both hot andcold water flow is too costly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a major object of the invention to provide an improved, simple,highly effective back flow preventing hydrant of hot and cold flow type,and meeting the above needs. Basically, the assembly includes:

a) two spaced apart tubular bodies to receive in-flow of fluids A and B,

b) a fluid mixing zone to receive fluids A and B from the bodies,

c) manually operable flow control valves in the two tubular bodies,

d) a primary check valve in one of the bodies to pass forward fluid flowtoward said mixing zone, and to block reverse flow in said one body,

e) an outlet from the mixing zone,

f) and a secondary check valve in series with the outlet to pass forwardflow from either or both of the two bodies through the outlet, and toblock reverse flow from the outlet to the mixing zone, whereby reverseflow cannot gain access to either of the fluids A and B in the tubularbodies.

As will be seen, the mixing zone may be defined by an interconnectiontube extending between said bodies, the A and B fluids being hot andcold water. A stem may be provided in the one body, said primary checkvalve carried by the stem, the stem being manually movable endwise.

Another object is to provide an automatic draining back flow preventionapparatus connected in series with the outlet and which comprisestubular body structure having main passage structure between flowentrance and exit ports; the flow entrance port communicating with theoutlet, the body structure having first and second side portscommunicating with the passage structure; first and second diaphragmscarried by the body structure to be exposed to flow in the passagestructure; a stopper in the passage structure cooperating with the firstdiaphragm to pass forward fluid flow while a first diaphragm flexes toblock exit flow of fluid through the first side port, and to block backflow of fluid through the main passage structure when the firstdiaphragm moves to unblock exit flow of fluid through the first sideport; the second diaphragm movable to allow in-flow of air through thesecond side port when the stopper and first diaphragm block back flow offluid through the main passage structure. In shut-off mode of the mainvalves, the second side port allows drainage to prevent freezing in thestructure.

Yet another object is to provide two hydrant passages and a ductextending between the passages to receive hot an cold water,respectively, therefrom, the duct having an outlet, and a water draincontrolling dual diaphragm apparatus in communication with said outlet,and providing for air inlet to the interior of such apparatus, via aside passage. As will be seen, a single check valve is typicallyprovided in one of the hydrant passages, which may be characterized as acold water passage, to block hot water passage past the single checkvalve to the cold water supply.

Another object is to provide a stem tubular portion carrying an annularseat, a plunger carrying check valve and extending endwise into saidstem tubular portion, and an annular seal carried by the plunger to moveinto engagement with the seat. One of the flow control valves may becarried by the plunger.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as thedetails of an illustrative embodiment, will be more fully understoodfrom the following specification and drawings, in which:

DRAWING DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a plan view, taken in section, showing a preferred embodimentof the invention, with two flow control valves being open;

FIG. 2 is a view like FIG. 1, but showing one of the flow control valesbeing open and the other closed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows two tubular bodies 10 and 320, which define two hydrantpassages 18 and 321 for rightward flow of two liquids A and B. A mixingzone for controlled mixing of A and B is provided, and may take the formof a transverse passage 400 in a duct 401 that extends transverselybetween tubes 10 a and 320 a that also define passages 18 and 321. Duct401 has an outlet 403 approximately mid-way along its length. As willlater be described in detail, a liquid drain controlling apparatus isprovided at 128, in communication with outlet 403, and is typically mayprovide for air inlet to the interior of apparatus 128. Liquids A and Btypically comprise cold and hot water respectively.

In FIG. 1, showing an “ON” condition of a first valve, an outer tubularmember as at 10 has a first flow port 11 at one end of the member. Afitting at that end is adapted to receive a pipe end to which waterpressure is communicated typically at about 60 PSI. When a control suchas valve handle 14 is rotated in one direction, a closure such as afirst valve stopper or plug 15 is backed away from a seat 15 a in member10, allowing pressurized liquid A, such as cold water to flow past checkvalve 16, in bore 17, and then to flow via chamber or space 18 to duct401, as for delivering water as from plumbing in a residence. A flange20 on the member 10 is engageable with a wall 21 of the building, toposition member 10 in a bore 22 in that wall. Check valve 16 may beconsidered as a first or primary check valve, or valve assembly.

The closure 15 b is carried by an elongated inner member 24 and/or 24 a,and in its leftward advanced position, is urged against the seat 15 a.In rightward retracted position, closure 15 b is spaced from the port 11to open the latter, allowing rightward flow of A in passage 18.

Auxiliary check valve 16 is shown as annular, to be positioned about theaxis of tubular inner member 24. It is configured to deflect and to passthe flow rightwardly, as referred to above, and to block reverse fluidflow (back-flow) from space 18 leftwardly past the check valve and toand through first port 11. Thus, potentially “contaminating” back flowto 11, as from hot liquid B via passage 321 in tube 320, and via passage400 is prevented. Hot liquid such as water can flow to passage 400 whena stopper 310 is retracted from a seat 311, by rotation of handle 312 toretract elongated tubular stem 313. Passage 321 has a side outlet at 321a to passage 400.

A relief port may be provided, as at 32, to pass back-flow fluid fromspace 18, to aid in relieving build-up of pressure of fluid in thatspace. As shown, port 32 communicates with an axially extending slot 28in the side wall of a tubular stem extension 35 a of a body 35 thatcarries 16. Stem extension 35 a slides telescopically in a sleeveextension 24 a of tubular member 24. Fluid in passage 18 flows via slot28 into the elongated bore or passage 29 in 24. Fluid may escape fromthe passage 29 as via the side relief port 32 near handle 14. Port 32leads to the exterior. Port or slot 28 is not exposed to space 18 whenflow from first port 11 passes rightwardly past the check valve as inFIG. 1, i.e. port 28 is then covered, since extension 35 a is thenretracted rightwardly by flow pressure into sleeve extension 24 a on 24.However, if backpressure builds up in space 18, check valve 16 is thenpushed to the left, uncovering the port 28, to allow escape or relief ofbackpressure to space 18.

Note in this regard the positioning of the check valve inner annularbody 16 a between two flanges 33 and 34 on axially movable body 35 thatcarries stopper 15 at the leftward end of body 35. Body 35 carries anO-ring 105 between flange 34 and flange 34 a, to seat at tapered seatend 24 a′ of extension 24 a, as in FIG. 1, thereby isolating slot 28from passage 18. Pressurized drain flow cannot then escape via slit port28 to the bore 29 of member 24 and to outlet 32. However, when back-flowpressure dominates, it forces valve 16 to the left, carrying body 35 tothe left, and slit port 28 then becomes exposed to passage 18, due totravel of O-ring 105 leftwardly away from the tapered seat end of sleeve24 a. Back flow pressure can then be relieved via slit port 28 and bore29 to the exterior via outlet 32.

Note that check valve 16 has a frusto-conical annular lip on 16 wipingagainst bore 17, when moved to FIG. 2 position. No spring is required tomove valve 16 leftwardly.

A fastener 60 is shown extending axially to retain a stopper 15 plate15′ to flange 33 of assembly 15 b, allowing its replacement.

Also provided is the highly advantageous form of second check valve orvalve assembly as at 128 referred to above. In FIG. 1, tubular bodymeans 210 has main through passage structure 211 between entrance andexit ports 212 and 213. The direction of forward fluid flow is toward213. By way of example, the tubular body means may advantageouslycomprise a first tubular section 214, a second tubular section 215 and athird tubular section 216; and such sections may be axially assembled intelescoping relation, as in the manner shown. The flow sequence is from216 to 214 to 215.

A first flexible diaphragm 217 is carried by the body means 214 and 215to be exposed to flow in the passage means 212. Also, a stopper 218 isprovided in the passage means to cooperate with the first diaphragm topass forward fluid flow while the first diaphragm flexes forwardly, asseen in FIG. 1 showing the ON condition. As shown, the first diaphragmis annular and may have its outer annular extent 217 a retained betweenannular shoulder 219 formed by the first body section 214 and annularshoulder 220 formed by the second section 215. Flange 221 on the secondsection engages a rim 222 on the first section to limit closing ofshoulder 220 toward shoulder 219 when the diaphragm is forcibly retainedbetween its shoulders. Threads may interconnect 214 and 215.

Note that the second body section 215 has a annular seat 224 thereonpresented toward the diaphragm and positioned to annularly seat thefirst diaphragm as it flexes. Under these conditions, flow passesthrough the diaphragm central opening 217 b, then around the peripheryof the stopper 218 and then outwardly through the exit port 213. Flowpressure against the stopper displaces it to allow such flow to passthrough central opening 217 b in diaphragm 217, a compression spring 227in the second section 215 exerting return force on the stopper. Thatspring is compressed as the stopper is forced to FIG. 1 position by flowpressure. In FIG. 1, the displaced diaphragm seals against annular edge215 a of 215. In FIG. 2, pressure build-up in downstream hose 310 canvent through outlet 215 b in 215.

The body means also has a second side port or ports 230 forcommunicating with the interior passage structure 211. Under theseconditions, the port or ports 230 act to pass fluid out of passage 211,second diaphragm 231 flexing away from annular seat 236 to allow suchout-flow. The second diaphragm is seated on seat 236, to block exit flowthrough the second side port or ports 230 in response to the describedflow of fluid through the main passage means, this condition being shownin FIG. 1. Note that the second diaphragm outer annular extent 231 a maybe captivated between opposed shoulders 232 on the first body sectionand 233 on the third body section in such manner as to allow thedescribed flexing or movement of the second diaphragm. Interengagedshoulders 234 and 235 of the sections 214 and 216 limit closure ofshoulders 232 and 233 to captivate the second diaphragm. Threading at271 removably connects 214 and 216. See also annular seal 273.

The stopper 218 cooperates with the first diaphragm 217 to block backflow of fluid through the main passage when the first diaphragm moves toblock and hold back flow or back pressure of fluid. In this regard, ametallic disc 240 or equivalent support is provided in the body means toextend normal to the flow, and to support the first diaphragm 217. Thespring 227 then urges the stopper 218 to engage the side of thediaphragm 217, closing or blanking its central opening 217 b, andthereby forcing the diaphragm against the disc 240. The central portionof the disc then extends across the diaphragm central opening 217 b toblock the escape of fluid through that opening and the diaphragm blanksescape through disc opening or openings 240 b. When the diaphragm isdisplaced, flow passes through disc opening or openings 240 b spacedradially outwardly of, or about, the disc central portion. Note alsothat the second annular diaphragm has a central opening 231 b to passsuch flow, in FIG. 1. and to pass air.

In FIG. 1, the second diaphragm 231 is shown as having moved off theseat 236.

The two diaphragms are spaced apart lengthwise of the passage so thatthey may flex independently. Each of the diaphragms is annular and hasits outer periphery retained in position relative to the body, thelatter having disconnectible sections to provide ready access to thediaphragms for removal and replacement. In this regard, while thesections may have threaded interconnections, and other forms ofconnection may be provided. Also, the stopper is movable in the passagefree of both of said diaphragms, and in spaced relation thereto.

Forward flow of fluid is allowed without sideward discharge. In theevent of attempted back flow, the FIG. 2 configuration is assumed(stopper 218 engaging diaphragm 217) and back flow is held. This is inaddition to the action of the first check valve 16 to block reverseflow, whereby a redundant provision against back flow to the water mainsvia 10 is provided. The positions of the elements at rest when there isno forward flow are shown in FIG. 2. A drainage path is provided byoutlet 230.

FIG. 2 shows the positions of the elements, as during a back-siphonagecondition. For example, supply pressure may go to zero. The intermediatechamber shown at 121 a in FIG. 2 then sucks air in (see arrow 287) viaport 230, as for example if the first valve assembly 16 fails. Stopper218 holds against 217 to close off back flow from 213 to 212 and to 121a.

Accordingly, a multi-functional cold and/or hot water (or mixture) draincontrolling dual diaphragm apparatus is provided, in communication withthe common outlet (for both A and B), and provision is also made for airinlet to the interior of the apparatus, via a side passage, and backsiphonage to either or both of the hydrant passages 18 and 321 is alsoblocked.

Outlet 230 also provides for water drainage to prevent freezing, whenthe hydrant is off as in FIG. 2. If the check valve 16 fouls; the FIG. 2closed condition of the check valve 16, stops contaminated inflow ofwater from the downstream hose; and closure of check valve 16 preventshot water flow from mixing zone 400 to the cold side of the check valve16; and slide shut condition of the piston 35 a then occurs as in FIG.2.

It will be noted that check valve 16 is a traveling check valve having arange of travel in the space between tube intersection location 321 band the manually operable flow valve 15 in tubular body 10 in whichvalve 16 is located.

1. In a dual hydrant, the combination comprising a) two spaced aparttubular bodies to receive in-flow of fluids A and B, b) a fluid mixingzone to receive fluids A and B from said bodies, c) manually operableflow control valves in the two tubular bodies, d) a primary check valvein only one of the bodies to pass forward fluid flow toward said mixingzone, and to block reverse flow in said one body, said check valve atall times remaining exposed to said mixing zone and to fluid in theother tubular body, the other body being free of any check valvetherein, e) an outlet from said mixing zone, f) and a secondary checkvalve in series with said outlet to pass forward flow from either orboth of said two bodies through said outlet, and to block reverse flowfrom the outlet to said mixing zone.
 2. The combination of claim 1wherein said mixing zone is defined by an interconnection tube extendingbetween said bodies, said A and B fluids being hot and cold water. 3.The combination of claim 1 including an interconnection tube thatcontains said mixing zone and wherein said interconnection tubeintersects said tubular body, in which said primary check valve islocated, at an intersection location, said check valve being a travelingcheck valve having a range of travel which is spaced between saidintersection location and the manually operable flow control valve insaid tubular body in which the check valve is located.
 4. In a dualhydrant, the combination comprising a) two spaced apart tubular bodiesto receive in-flow of fluids A and B, b) a fluid mixing zone to receivefluids A and B from said bodies, c) manually operable flow controlvalves in the two tubular bodies, d) a primary check valve in only oneof the bodies to pass forward fluid flow toward said mixing zone, and toblock reverse flow in said one body, said check valve at all timesremaining exposed to said mixing zone and to fluid in the other tubularbody, the other body being free of any check valve therein, e) an outletfrom said mixing zone, f) and an automatic draining back flow preventionapparatus connected in series with said outlet and which comprisestubular body structure having main passage structure between flowentrance and exit ports; the flow entrance port communicating with saidoutlet, the body structure having a first side port communicating withthe passage structure; first and second diaphragms carried by the bodystructure to be exposed to flow in the passage structure; a stopper inthe passage structure cooperating with the first diaphragm to passforward fluid flow while a second diaphragm flexes to block exit flow offluid through the first side port, and to block back flow of fluidthrough the main passage structure when the second diaphragm moves tounblock exit flow of fluid through the first side port; the seconddiaphragm movable to allow in-flow of air when the stopper and firstdiaphragm block back flow of fluid through the main passage structure.5. In a dual hydrant, the combination comprising a) two spaced aparttubular bodies to receive in-flow of fluids A and B, b) aninterconnection tube to receive fluids A and B from said bodies, c)manually operable flow control valves in the two tubular bodies, d) aprimary check valve in only one of the bodies to pass forward fluid flowtoward said interconnection tube, and block reverse flow therein, saidcheck valve at all times remaining exposed to said mixing zone and tofluid and the flow control valve in the other tubular body, said otherbody being free of any check valve therein, e) an outlet from saidinterconnection tube, f) and wherein said interconnection tubeintersects said tubular body, in which said primary check valve islocated, at an intersection location, said check valve being a travelingcheck valve having a range of travel which is spaced between saidintersection location and the manually operable flow control valve insaid tubular body in which the check valve is located.
 6. Thecombination of claim 5 including, at said outlet, an automatic drainingback flow prevention apparatus comprises tubular body structure havingmain passage structure between flow entrance and exit ports; the flowentrance port communicating with said outlet, the body structure havingat least one side port communicating with the passage structure; firstand second diaphragms carried by the body structure to be exposed toflow in the passage structure; a stopper in the passage structurecooperating with the first diaphragm to pass forward fluid flow while asecond diaphragm flexes to block exit flow of fluid through a side port,and to block back flow of fluid through the main passage structure whenthe second diaphragm moves to unblock exit flow of fluid through theside port; the second diaphragm movable to allow in-flow of air when thestopper and first diaphragm block back flow of fluid through the mainpassage structure.